The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Plateau State, Chief Ephraim Usman, has revealed that the Plateau State Local Government Service Commission has approved the promotion of 9,530 staff across various cadres. He made this known during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held on Friday, May 23, at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat, Jos.
Chief Usman stated that the current administration, under Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, inherited a backlog of pending promotions in the Local Government system, which the Commission has now addressed. “The Commission inherited a backlog of pending promotions. In response, it has processed and approved promotions for 9,530 of deserving Staff across various cadres to Grade Level 16,” he said.
The Commissioner highlighted that the approval of the promotions reflects the government’s commitment to staff motivation and effective service delivery at the grassroots level. He explained that the move is part of broader reforms to reposition Local Government administration in Plateau State.
In addition to promotions, the Local Government Service Commission conducted a total of 43 structured training programs which benefited 2,343 staff across the 17 Local Government Councils. These trainings were aimed at improving efficiency, professionalism, and administrative competence.
Chief Usman noted that the Ministry had also appointed Legal Officers and posted them to all 17 Local Government Areas and the Commission’s headquarters. “Legal Officers were appointed and posted to all 17 LGA’s and the Commission Headquarters to provide sound legal advice and mitigate institutional risks,” he added.
Speaking on staff welfare, the Commissioner said the Ministry, through the Local Government Pension Board, cleared N1 billion in pension arrears for Local Government staff, a move that brought relief to many retired workers.
He added that the administration also inherited N5.6 billion in salary and pension arrears for Local Government workers and primary school teachers, which have all been cleared. “The present administration inherited 5.6 Billion Naira Local Government Workers and Primary School Teachers salaries and pension arrears from the previous Administration at the LGCs levels and so far, all has been cleared,” Usman emphasized.
Beyond staff welfare, the Ministry, in collaboration with the 17 Local Government Councils, purchased 35 Hilux vehicles for security agencies across the state to strengthen grassroots security efforts.
The Ministry also procured supervision and monitoring vehicles for its zonal offices and remodeled its headquarters and Pankshin Zonal Office to create a more conducive working environment for staff.
To further improve agricultural productivity, the Ministry and the Local Government Councils jointly purchased assorted fertilizers for rural farmers in the state.
On the traditional institution, Chief Usman acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in filling vacant stools that were left unattended by the previous administration. He said the selection and installation of traditional rulers such as the Ngolong Ngas, Mwo Ywom, and Long Kwo had been successfully completed.
Chief Usman concluded by urging citizens of the state to continue supporting the current administration, stating that Governor Mutfwang’s leadership is focused on delivering meaningful development to the grassroots.
